It's been rumoured for a while, but now it's official; Ryan Coogler, writer and director of the excellent Creed (read our Creed review here), will helm Marvel's Black Panther. Coogler's appointment means that Captain Marvel is the only upcoming film in the MCU without a director attached.

Here's the official statement from Marvel head honcho Kevin Feige: "We are fortunate to have such an esteemed filmmaker join the Marvel family. The talents Ryan showcased in his first two films easily made him our top choice to direct Black Panther. Many fans have waited a long time to see Black Panther in his own film, and with Ryan we know we’ve found the perfect director to bring T’Challa’s story to life."

Black Panther - who will be played by Chadwick Boseman - will first be introduced to audiences in this year's highly anticipated Captain America: Civil War. With the character doubling as a superhero and the King of fictional African nation Wakanda, he promises to be a unique and significant addition to the Marvel universe.

Ava DuVernay was previously in talks with Marvel for Black Panther before parting ways with the studio because "it really wasn't going to be an Ava DuVernay film". Hopefully Coogler will be able to put his own stamp on the movie while accommodating the studio and fans alike.

Directed by Coogler and starring Chadwick Boseman, Black Panther is released in UK cinemas on February 9, 2018 before opening in US theatres on February 16, 2018.